The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), in collaboration with the British Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), hosted a seminar titled Enhancing Academic Excellence, Quality Assurance, and Accreditation in Higher Education. The event took place at SEA’s headquarters in University City, Sharjah.
Khawla Al Hosani, Deputy Director of SEA, underscored the significance of advancing quality standards and academic excellence. She emphasized the importance of positioning Sharjah as a leading educational hub regionally and globally. Moreover, she highlighted fostering innovation and sustaining education quality. Leadership, she noted, plays a critical role in creating a distinguished educational environment.
Dr. Mohammed Yousef Bani Yas, Advisor for Higher Education Affairs at SPEA, explained the seminar’s goals. He stated that it explored the latest trends in education and international standards. Additionally, he stressed the need to align higher education outcomes with job market demands. Offering clear career paths for students, he added, prepares graduates with future-ready skills. Furthermore, universities were encouraged to enhance educational quality. Ensuring that academic programs meet labor market requirements is crucial, he noted.
Dr. Bani Yas also emphasized the seminar’s role in achieving professional excellence for faculty members. He highlighted the importance of enhancing their capabilities as practicing university professors. This approach, he explained, supports practical student training within the academic framework. It also fosters a generation capable of addressing future challenges.
Key topics included SPEA’s higher education strategy and the standards of the British QAA. Discussions also focused on integrating quality assurance practices into institutional processes. These processes range from academic planning to student and graduate outcomes. The seminar examined how universities can leverage these strategies for international accreditation.
Julie Till, Global Director of QAA, expressed optimism about a long-term partnership with SPEA and SEA. She noted how such collaborations advance quality assurance in higher education. Additionally, she emphasized the positive impact on students and graduates. These partnerships, she stated, enhance the educational experience and improve outcomes.
Till outlined the advantages of international accreditation for universities. She shared success stories of institutions that achieved QAA accreditation. She also elaborated on QAA’s international accreditation methodology. Furthermore, she discussed the robust standards underpinning it.
The seminar concluded with key takeaways on quality assurance fundamentals. These include achieving excellence in learning outcomes and improving educational systems. Participants also explored adapting to future trends and addressing challenges. Opportunities for sustaining academic excellence in UAE institutions were thoroughly discussed.
